Pictured above: Eastern Cape award recipients, educators, learners, WESSA team and guests

Eastern Cape, South Africa – 2 April 2026: Schools across the Eastern Cape have once again demonstrated the power of education to drive meaningful environmental change, as learners and educators were recognised at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025.

The awards celebrate schools participating in WESSA’s Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programmes, recognising their commitment to sustainability, environmental learning, and community impact.

This year, 31 schools from across the province were acknowledged for their efforts, spanning participation levels through to prestigious long-term achievement awards.

Pumla Gxuluwe, Deputy Chief Education Specialist at the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, delivered an address and shared that, “Being part of the WESSA Eastern Cape Awards has reawakened something in me. It took me back to my early days as a young biology teacher where we planted trees and taught learners about the simple miracle of gas exchange – that plants give us oxygen, and we give them carbon dioxide. Back then our trees were stolen and our yards were unfenced, but today I see a new generation of schools and partners who are determined to protect and grow these living classrooms.”

A strong cohort of schools participated in the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme, including Douglas Mbopa High School, Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School, and Walmer Secondary School, highlighting the role of youth voice in environmental storytelling and advocacy.

At foundational levels, schools such as Emafini Primary School, Cape Recife High School, and Qumbu Village Primary School achieved Bronze Awards, marking their growing commitment to embedding sustainability into school life.

Top-performing schools were recognised at the highest levels of the programme, with:

• Mboniselo Public Primary School achieving International Flag status
• Motherwell High School and Mdengentonga Public Primary School earning Platinum Awards

These achievements reflect sustained action, leadership, and measurable environmental impact within school communities.

 

Celebrating long-term commitment to sustainability

 

Several schools were honoured for their long-standing participation and consistent excellence in the programme.

Notably:

• Lilyfontein School received the prestigious Emerald Award
• Schools such as Kabega Primary School and Khulile Primary School achieved Silver Decade Awards
• St Francis College reached the milestone of a Platinum 4 Decade Award, marking exceptional long-term commitment

These recognitions highlight the sustained culture of environmental responsibility being built within schools over many years.

 

Special awards recognise innovation and leadership

 

In addition to the core awards, several schools were recognised for going beyond programme expectations:

• Woodridge College & Preparatory School received the Ocean Guardian Award (Marine & Coasts) for outstanding marine conservation efforts
• Lilyfontein School was awarded the Clean Commute Award (Transport) for innovative approaches to sustainable transport and environmental awareness
• Qumbu Village Primary School earned the Green Start Award 2025, recognising exceptional progress in its first year, including establishing an eco-club and a food garden supporting the school nutrition programme

 

Building a generation that leads change

 

Through Eco-Schools, WESSA continues to support schools across South Africa in embedding sustainability into everyday learning, while building environmental leadership among learners and educators.

“This programme shows our learners that environmental education is not just a subject in a textbook, it is a way of life that demands commitment, creativity, and community. I leave this event inspired, grateful, and more convinced than ever that when we invest in young people and the environment together, we are planting the strongest roots for the Eastern Cape’s future,” adds Gxuluwe.

As WESSA celebrates its 100th year, the work of these schools reflects a growing national movement – one where education is not only shaping awareness but driving measurable environmental action.

 

Full list of awarded schools and categories (Top achievements first)

 

Emerald Award: Lilyfontein School

Decade Awards (Long-term commitment)

• Platinum 4 Decade: St Francis College
• Platinum 2 Decade: Dumani Public Primary School
• Platinum 1 Decade: Seyisi Primary School
• Silver Decade
  • Kabega Primary School
  • Khulile Primary School
• Bronze Decade
  • Woodridge Preparatory & College
  • Vukanibantu Primary School

 

Platinum Awards

• Platinum 4: Collegiate Junior School for Girls
• Platinum 3
  • St Colmcille Secondary School
  • Empumalanga Primary School
  • Elufefeni Primary School
• Platinum 2: Canzibe Primary School
• Platinum 1
  • Motherwell High School
  • Mdengentonga Public Primary School

International Flag: Mboniselo Public Primary School

Green Flag: Enkwenkwezini Primary School

Bronze Awards:

• Emafini Primary School
• Cape Recife High School
• Qumbu Village Primary School

 

Participation – Eco-Schools

• Carinus Primary School
• Woolhope Secondary School

 

Participation – Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)

• Douglas Mbopa High School
• Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School
• Coselelani Secondary School
• Cowan High School
• James Jolobe Secondary School
• Khumbulanei High School
• Lungiso Secondary School
• Masiphathisane Senior Secondary School
• Walmer Secondary School

Pictured above: Recipients of Eco-School awards in KZN with WESSA Schools & Youth team, and CEO.

Durban, South Africa – 29 March 2026: KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to environmental education and youth-led action was celebrated at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held on 21 March 2026 (Human Rights Day) at the Willow Way Manor in Durban. The event brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and environmental partners in the province to recognise schools that are not only learning about sustainability but actively shaping it within their communities.

The Eco-Schools programme, implemented by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), continues to empower young people to move from awareness to meaningful action, embedding environmental responsibility into schools across the province.

Recognising schools that turn learning into action

This year’s awards recognised schools across KwaZulu-Natal for their commitment to environmental learning, practical action, and community impact. From waste management and water conservation to biodiversity protection and climate awareness, participating schools demonstrated how education can drive real change.

The ceremony highlighted the strength of the Eco-Schools model – where learners are not passive recipients of information, but active participants in solving environmental challenges within their schools and communities.

A number of Eco-Schools were recognised for their long-term, consistent commitment, including the Emerald Award (20 years) awarded to Pitlochry Primary School and Shea O’Connor Combined School, and the Arum Lily Award (22 years) awarded to Epworth School and The Birches – marking over two decades of sustained environmental excellence.

A centenary year for WESSA and a future led by youth

As WESSA marks its 100th year, WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, reflected on the enduring power of environmental education to shape a more sustainable future.

“For 100 years, WESSA has believed in the power of education to change lives and protect our planet. The Eco-Schools programme is one of the clearest examples of this in action – where knowledge is transformed into meaningful, community-driven change,” adds Cloete.

She added that the programme’s impact lies in its ability to move learners beyond awareness, “We are not just teaching learners about environmental challenges – we are equipping them to respond to those challenges with confidence, creativity, and purpose. These young people are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading change today.”

Rethinking sustainability for the next generation

Delivering the keynote address, Thobekile Gambu, Environmental Scientist and United Nations Global Compact Coordinator for uMgeni-uThukela Water South Africa, challenged attendees to rethink how sustainability is approached in education, particularly in the face of growing environmental pressures.

Pictured above: Keynote speaker, Thobekile Gambu

“We cannot afford to treat sustainability as a future concern. The decisions we take and actions we make today will define the kind of world young people inherit,” she said.

Emphasising the importance of agency and action, she shares that, “Young people must be equipped not only with knowledge, but with the ability to act. When learners understand their role in protecting natural systems – especially water – they become powerful drivers of change within their communities.”

She further highlighted the need for a shift in mindset: “Sustainability education must move beyond awareness. It must inspire responsibility, innovation, and action – because the challenges we face require more than understanding; they require solutions.”

Learner-led innovation and impact on display

A powerful highlight of the ceremony was the showcase presentations by learners, demonstrating the tangible impact of Eco-Schools projects on the ground.

A Grade 7 learner from Highbury Preparatory School shared how their Eco Club has driven initiatives such as recycling programmes, school gardening, and biodiversity awareness, while also extending their impact through community engagement and conservation fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, Dingeka Technical High School presented their work focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), alongside recycling initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns. Their work reflects a strong commitment to addressing both environmental and social challenges within their community.

These showcases reinforced a key message: when learners are enabled, they become powerful agents of change.

Building a generation of environmental leaders

The KwaZulu-Natal Eco-Schools Awards once again demonstrated the programme’s role in developing environmentally conscious, action-oriented young leaders.

Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and community engagement, Eco-Schools continues to nurture a generation that understands not only the challenges facing the planet – but their role in solving them.

As WESSA celebrates its centenary year, the work of these schools stands as a powerful reminder that the future of environmental sustainability is already being shaped in classrooms across South Africa.

Top honours recognise excellence in environmental leadership

Among the many schools recognised, several stood out for their exceptional leadership and impact through the programme’s special awards, which celebrate excellence across key environmental themes.

• The WESSA Eco-Schools Biodiversity Stewardship Award was awarded to Amanzimtoti Primary School, recognising its long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring biodiversity through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, wetland adoption, and environmental awareness campaigns.
• The WESSA Eco-Schools Circular Economy Champion Award was presented to Hillgrove Primary School, which has demonstrated outstanding leadership in waste reduction and recycling, including collecting over 1 400 kg of recyclables and promoting a culture of resource efficiency.
• The WESSA Eco-Schools Water Wise Warriors Award went to Buhlebemfundo High School, whose learners developed an innovative water conservation app and represented South Africa on the global stage, while also leading water stewardship initiatives within their community.
• The WESSA Eco-Schools Ubuntu for Nature Award was awarded to Epworth School, in recognition of its strong community engagement, including clean-up campaigns, tree planting, food gardens, and environmental awareness initiatives that embody collective action for people and the planet.

In addition to the special awards, several schools were recognised for their long-term commitment to the Eco-Schools programme, achieving milestone “decade” awards that reflect sustained environmental action over many years.

Additional notable achievements:

• 15 years: Cowan House, Amanzimtoti Primary School, Kainon Primary School, and Tree Tops School received the International Flag Decade Award
• 17 years: Eden College and Virginia Preparatory School were awarded the Platinum 2 Decade Award

Eco-Schools Awards Progression

Participation award

• Hillcrest High School

Bronze award (Year 1)

• Inkanyezi Creche and Community Care Centre
• Dingeka High School

Silver award (Year 2):

• Atholl Heights Primary School
• Crawford International La Lucia
• Crawford International North Coast
• Umlazi ComTech High School
• E. Ndlovu Secondary School
• JL Dube Secondary School
• Marklands Secondary School
• Nkosinathi Secondary School
• Mzuvele Secondary School

Green Flag award (Year 3):

• Athlone Park Primary School
• Carter High School
• Injabulo Senior Primary School

Sun International Eco-Schools Project

Gold award (Year 4):

• Glenhaven Secondary School
• Palmview Secondary School
• Sterngrove Primary School
• Phoenix Secondary School
• Waterloo Secondary School

Gold award (Year 4):

• Longmarket Girls’ School
• Thembimfundo Special School
• Buhlebemfundo Secondary School

International Flag award (Year 5):

• Kloof High school
• Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School

Platinum 2 award (Year 7)

• Wembley College
• Hermannsburg School
• The Browns School

Silver Decade award (Year 12):

• Deutsche Schule Durban
• Winston Park Primary School
• Highbury Preparatory School

Green Flag Decade award (Year 13):

• Hilton Montessori

Gold Decade award (Year 14):

• Umbogintwini Primary School
• Stanger Training Centre
• Laddsworth Primary School

International Flag Decade award (Year 15):

• Cowan House
• Amanzimtoti Primary School
• Kainon Primary School
• Tree Tops School

Platinum 2 Decade award (Year 17):

• Eden College
• Virginia Preparatory School
• Hillgrove Primary School

Emerald award (Year 20):

• Pitlochry Primary school
• Shea O’Connor Combined School

Arum Lily award (Year 22):

• Epworth School
• The Birches

Partner and Funder Recognition

• Sun International Sibaya
• eThekwini Municipality – Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit

Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province educators receiving award certificates)

eMalahleni, Mpumalanga – 27 March 2026: A total of 17 schools from across Mpumalanga were recognised for their commitment to environmental education and action at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025, hosted recently at Anew Hotel in eMalahleni.

The awards brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and partners to celebrate how schools are transforming environmental awareness into meaningful, community-driven action – reinforcing the growing impact of environmental education across the province.

Opening the event, WESSA Schools and Youth Senior Programme Manager, Nomfundo Ndlovu, commended schools for their dedication to environmental stewardship: “What we are seeing across Mpumalanga is a powerful shift from environmental awareness to meaningful action. These schools are not only teaching sustainability, but they are also living it. When learners are given the tools, space and support to engage with real-world challenges, they don’t just participate, they lead. This is how we build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are equipped to drive change in their communities and beyond.”

Schools driving local environmental impact

Participating schools were recognised for implementing practical projects aligned to key Eco-Schools themes, including water conservation, waste management, biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and community and heritage.

New entrant schools, including Mehlwane Secondary School, Impilo Primary School, Amandla Primary School and Lehlaka Combined School, achieved Silver status, reflecting strong foundational efforts in embedding environmental learning within their school communities.

Several established schools were awarded the prestigious Platinum 3 level, recognising sustained excellence, long-term commitment, and leadership in environmental practice.

Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province educators receiving award certificates

Innovation, circular economy and community collaboration

Stakeholders at the event highlighted the growing importance of integrating environmental education with real-world outcomes, particularly through recycling initiatives that not only address environmental challenges but also create opportunities for income generation within communities.

The keynote address by Rebotile Rachuene of Sediba Sa Metse underscored the value of community-led conservation, sharing insights into efforts to protect owl populations in the Middelburg area and demonstrating how local action contributes to broader ecosystem resilience.

The event was further enriched by learner performances and a powerful poetry piece centred on the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, reinforcing the role of young people in shaping more sustainable communities.

Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province Eco-Schools Awards 2025 Guest speakers

A growing movement in WESSA’s centenary year

The Mpumalanga Eco-Schools Awards form part of WESSA’s broader mission to Educate, Advocate, Act, and carry added significance in 2026 as the organisation marks its centenary celebrating 100 years of environmental leadership in South Africa.

As one of the country’s leading environmental education programmes, Eco-Schools continues to empower young people to take ownership of their environment, driving measurable change at both school and community level.

Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province Eco-Schools Awards 2025 group photo)

Funded Schools

Silver

• Mehlwane Secondary School
• Impilo Primary School
• Amandla Primary School
• Mabande Secondary School
• Lehlaka Combined School

Platinum 3

• Makause Combined School
• Hlanguphala Primary School
• Sukumani Primary School
• Thuthukani Primary School
• Ogies Combined School

Independent Registered Schools

Platinum 3

• Penryn College
• Nancy Shiba Primary School
• Maloma Primary School
• Kananda Primary School
• Edward Matyeka Primary School
• KwaGuqa Primary School
• Siyathokoza Primary School

From water and waste to biodiversity and community action, Free State schools demonstrate the power of education to drive real environmental impact

Pictured above: Recipients of the Gold and International Flag awards; speaker Mrs. Ralepedi from Department of Basic Education giving word of support to the Eco-Schools programme

Bloemfontein, South Africa – 25 March 2026: WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has recognised s for their measurable environmental action and sustainability leadership at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards, held on 12 March 2026 at Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.

Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools equips learners and educators to move beyond awareness and into meaningful, school-wide environmental action. In the Free State, these awards reflect not only participation in the programme, but tangible impact across communities and ecosystems.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders including the Department of Education, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), alongside educators and eco-committee representatives from schools across the province.

DESTEA and WESSA share a long-standing partnership of over 10 years, through which environmental education has been successfully delivered to more than 100 Eco-Schools across the Free State Province. This collaboration demonstrates the how sustained partnerships can advance education for sustainable development.

From learning to action across key environmental themes

Throughout 2025, participating schools implemented practical environmental projects across core Eco-Schools themes including health and wellbeing, water, waste, nature and biodiversity, and community and heritage. These projects enabled schools to progress through the programme’s award levels, demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability in action.

From improving waste management practices to protecting biodiversity and strengthening community engagement, learners and educators continue to show that environmental education is most powerful when it leads to real-world change.

Recognising long-term commitment and excellence

The awards ceremony celebrated achievements across multiple levels, from Bronze through to the prestigious International Green Flag, with several schools also recognised for long-term commitment to the programme – including Batjha Primary School from Botshabelo in Mangaung Metro and Nthuthuzelo Primary School from Bultfontein Lejweleputswa District, each receiving the Diamond Award for participating for 10 years in the programme.

Pictured above: Diamond Award and Eco Flag recipients. Image source: DESTEA

These milestones reflect sustained environmental leadership and the embedding of sustainability into school culture over time.

In her closing remarks, Ms Nozi Nkoe, Chief Director for Environmental Management at DESTEA, acknowledged the collective effort behind the programme, highlighting the critical role of educators in driving environmental action within schools and communities.

Pictured above: Ms Nozi Nkoe, Chief Director for Environmental Management at DESTEA. Image source: DESTEA

Strengthening partnerships for impact

When government departments join hands with WESSA as an implementation partner, it strengthens coordination, optimises resources, and enhances impact at grassroots level, enabling schools and communities to benefit from integrated support. This ensures that environmental education is not only taught but actively practiced, fostering responsible citizenship and sustainable livelihoods.

As the Eco-Schools Programme continues to grow, it remains a powerful platform for equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and agency to respond to environmental challenges – and to lead change within their communities.

Pictured above: Award recipients, WESSA and DAERL representatives)

Schools across the province demonstrate how education is driving real environmental impact

Kimberley, South Africa – 24 March 2026: WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL), has recognised 29 schools for their environmental leadership at the Northern Cape Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held at Eden Lodge in Kimberley.

Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools empowers learners and educators to move beyond awareness into meaningful environmental action. In the Northern Cape – where water scarcity, land management, and climate pressures remain critical – these awards reflect schools that are actively responding to environmental challenges within their communities.

The provincial awards, coordinated by DAERL, highlight not only participation in the Eco-Schools programme, but measurable impact through projects focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Representing WESSA at the event, Daniel Jackson, Junior Project Manager in the Schools and Youth Division, commended the schools for their commitment to embedding environmental learning into everyday practice.

Recognising excellence in environmental action

In addition to Eco-Schools recognition, DAERL honoured the top five performing schools in the province, celebrating outstanding project implementation and environmental impact:

• 1st Place: Willie Theron Primary School
• 2nd Place: Moedi Secondary School
• 3rd Place: St Anna Private Secondary Girls School
• 4th Place: Sedibeng Primary School
• 5th Place: Delta Primary School

These schools were recognised for going beyond programme requirements, demonstrating innovation, leadership and tangible environmental outcomes within their school environments and surrounding communities.

A growing movement of environmental leadership

The Eco-Schools programme continues to play a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens by linking curriculum-based learning with real-world action. Through initiatives such as water conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection and climate awareness, schools are becoming hubs of environmental change.

“These awards are a powerful reminder that environmental leadership is being shaped in our classrooms. The Northern Cape Eco-Schools are not just participating in a programme – they are driving real change in their schools and communities. Their work reflects the heart of WESSA’s mission: to educate, advocate and activate a generation that will care for the Earth,” adds WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete.

The partnership between WESSA and DAERL reflects a shared commitment to strengthening environmental education across the province, ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills and agency to respond to current and future environmental challenges.

Looking ahead

As WESSA marks its centenary year, the achievements of the Northern Cape Eco-Schools is a reminder that lasting environmental impact begins with education. By enabling young people to take action, the programme continues to build a generation that is informed, engaged and ready to lead.

Link to the full photo album available via our Facebook page

Full list of awarded schools and categories:

International Flag Decade (1): Dr Izak van Niekerk Primary

Gold Decade (2)

• Ferdinand Brecher Primary
• St Anna Private Secondary Girls School

International (1): Sedibeng Primary School

Platinum Level Four (2):

• Reaipela Intermediate School
• Rolihlahla Intermediate School

Platinum Level One (2):

• St Patrick’s CBC
• Thabane High School

Silver (5)

• N Pressly Intermediate School
• Elizabeth Conradie School
• R Mocwaledi Intermediate School
• Willie Theron Primary School
• Delta Primary School

Bronze (16):

• Reneilwe Primary School
• Barkly-Wes Primêr
• Olympic Primary School
• Kimberley Boys’ High School
• Stillwater Intermediate School
• Pnielandgoed Primêre Skool
• Greenpoint Primary School
• Tadcaster Intermediate School
• Adamantia High School
• Technical High School
• E.P. Lekhela High School
• Retlameleng Special School
• Taudiarora Primary School
• Kareeville Primary School
• Segwaneng Primary School
• Moedi Secondary School